Bala is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the global chemical supply/demand analytics and for planning and oversight of content, forecast methodology and quality of reports pertaining to the industrial gases and fertilizer markets.

Bala joined SRI Consulting in 2000 before it was acquired by IHS Markit (Now a part of S&P Global) in 2010, which merged with Markit in 2016. He has authored a broad range of reports for the Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH) and the Specialty Chemicals Update Program (SCUP) publications and contributes to ongoing development of programs and single client consulting projects.

Bala has over 30 years of experience in process design, plant economics, marketing research and business development, both in industrial and consulting areas. He started his career in India, working with the Indian subsidiary of Clariant, and later joined Ballmer Lawrie & Co. (India) in their petrochemical division. In 1991, he joined Nuclear Fuel Services, Tennessee, where he was involved in field engineering and also led business development activities.

Bala holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Chemical Engg. and an MBA.